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One highlight
of this exhibit is the complete set of original float designs for the 1892
Proteus parade. Designed by Carlotta Bonnecaze around the theme “A Dream of the
Vegetable Kingdom,” the designs reveal an almost hallucinatory level of
creativity and delight, from frightened English peas to mighty warrior acorns.
Other highlights are photographs taken by noted New Orleans photographer John
Norris Teunisson documenting Mardi Gras along Canal Street and in the French
Quarter in 1902; photographs documenting the 70th anniversary of Louis
Armstrong’s reign as King Zulu in 1949; Carnival music recordings by Fats
Domino, Irma Thomas, and Professor Longhair; and photographs of Tulane students
yelling “Throw me something, Mista!” at passing floats. Together, the items on
display reveal the depth and range of Carnival in New Orleans.
Special
Collections has a special mission to preserve the culture of Carnival in New
Orleans and that mission is supported by all of the division’s five
departments. From rare jazz recordings to the largest collection in the world
of original pre-WWII Carnival float and costume designs, this exhibit brings
together holdings from the Hogan Jazz Archive, the Louisiana Research
Collection, the Rare Books unit, the Southeastern Architectural Archive, and
the University Archives to demonstrate how different collecting goals can
complement each other and expand our understanding in creative ways. The whole is
truly greater than the sum of its parts.
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| Above, Float design for Green Peas from the Proteus 1892 parade, "A Dream of a Vegetable Kingdom." At top, Costume design for rider, "green pea man," for above float. Both designed by Carlotta Bonnecaze. Watercolor on paper. Carnival Collection, Louisiana Research Collection, Special Collections Division, Tulane University Libraries. |
